Quality Improvement Program Significantly Lowers “Bad Cholesterol” in Veterans

A quality improvement program successfully reduced levels of “bad cholesterol” (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) in veterans with heart and vascular disease, according to preliminary findings presented today at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions.

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death among veterans,and high low-density lipoprotein levels are a major risk factor for both. while effective medications exist, two-thirds of veterans with heart disease don’t adequately manage their cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. For veterans, maintaining low LDL leads to better heart health and lower healthcare costs. This highlights the importance of cholesterol management for longer, healthier lives.

Luc Djoussé, MD, health researcher (cardiovascular epidemiologist) at the Massachusetts Veterans epidemiology Research and Information Collaborative (MAVERIC), Boston VA Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston

This study investigated whether a quality improvement program could increase the use of cholesterol-lowering medications, improve medication adherence, and boost the percentage of veterans achieving an LDL cholesterol level below 70 mg/dL.

Researchers pinpointed several barriers to cholesterol reduction. These included poor medication adherence,gaps in health information and education for both veterans and healthcare professionals,and staffing shortages within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. The program tackled these challenges with a thorough strategy: health care coaches, multidisciplinary teams, targeted lists for at-risk veterans, improved prescribing practices, and accessible health information on cholesterol and lifestyle changes.

The analysis revealed:

• A 32% increase in veterans lowering their bad cholesterol below 70 mg/dL during the program.
• Among those who had been in